A two-day Gojri Literary and Cultural Meet began at the Himalayan Education Mission Society College, Rajouri, bringing together writers, poets, and intellectuals from Poonch and Rajouri.
The event was organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages in collaboration with Dabastan-e Himala, and also includes a Gojri, Pahari, and Kashmiri book fair.
The inaugural session was presided over by renowned writer Iqbal Shawl. Other attendees included Chief Editor (Gojri) Javaid Rahi, and prominent writers such as Farooq Muztar and M K Waqar.
Addressing the audience, Javaid Rahi highlighted the Academy's role in promoting Gojri over the past 48 years through publications, research, and cultural programs. Farooq Muztar emphasized the transformative power of education and urged focus on the challenges faced by tribal communities.
Iqbal Shawl described Gojri as a rich language of Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need to inspire younger generations to preserve their linguistic heritage. Professor M K Waqar called for the inclusion of Gojri in school curricula and the establishment of dedicated research centers in universities.
The session also featured presentations of research papers, short stories, and poetry by several writers and scholars.
The event will continue with various literary and cultural activities aimed at promoting and preserving the rich heritage of the Gojri language.
